Authorities are facing mounting pressure to strengthen airspace security following a series of recent drone incidents involving military facilities, airports and defense contractors across Germany. Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder of the CSU party has publicly advocated for an immediate policy shift, calling for the authorization of German authorities to shoot down drones detected in restricted airspace.
Speaking to “Bild” newspaper, Söder emphasized the need for comprehensive protection of critical infrastructure and military installations. He proposed a shift from a reactive approach to a proactive one, stating that law enforcement should be empowered to immediately disable unauthorized drones.
Söder asserted that these incidents represent a significant challenge, extending beyond concerns about espionage. He underscored the importance of maintaining the operational integrity of infrastructure and securing sovereignty over German airspace. The politician announced plans for a rapid legislative response from Bavaria, with a draft law expected to be presented to the state cabinet as early as Tuesday. He further urged the federal government to swiftly amend existing aviation security laws to reflect the evolving threat landscape.
However, experts have cautioned against blanket authorization for drone shootdowns. Recurring concerns center on the potential for unintended consequences, particularly the risk of injury on the ground if a drone, potentially not carrying explosive materials, is intercepted. A thorough assessment of each situation remains crucial to ensure public safety.